Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Lunga Mani has grown into one of Africa’s respected leaders in the immigration advisory space. Today, he serves as the Managing Partner of Fragomen Africa (Pty) Ltd, which employs more than 60 people across its Johannesburg and Nairobi offices while providing global immigration solutions to businesses and individuals across the continent and beyond.
His journey was shaped by resilience from an early age. Raised by a single mother alongside four siblings after the loss of his father at the age of two, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of his community during apartheid. A defining childhood moment came when he witnessed racism directed to his cousin at a local shop. That experience left a lasting impact and became a turning point that pushed him toward law, with a desire to protect and uplift his community.
Lunga went on to study law at the University of Fort Hare, later completing his articles in Cape Town and Johannesburg. He described university life as a “rude awakening,” where independence and hard work replaced the structured environment of school. After being admitted as a legal practitioner, he spent around five years in legal practice before moving into legal advisory and immigration operations.
His career eventually led him to Fragomen Africa, where he now oversees immigration services across Sub-Saharan Africa. The firm assists multinational companies and individuals with visas, work permits, residency and citizenship applications across multiple jurisdictions. Under his leadership, the organisation continues to play a key role in enabling companies to move critical skills across borders, helping drive economic activity and project delivery in Africa.
Lunga highlighted that immigration is often misunderstood until individuals or companies need to bring in skills from outside a country. He explained that challenges often arise when clients expect fast approvals without understanding the legal frameworks, security checks and labour requirements that guide visa processing. He also pointed out inconsistencies in adjudication timelines across different countries and embassies as a major operational challenge in the industry.
Beyond corporate immigration, he also works with individuals seeking permanent residency or family-based visas, including spouses and professionals who decide to settle in South Africa long-term. He noted that residency pathways require patience, legal compliance and an understanding of national regulations, often involving multi-year processes before citizenship eligibility.
Despite the complexity of his work, Lunga remains passionate about ethical practice, compliance and the importance of following the law. He believes immigration professionals must serve both clients and the country’s legal framework responsibly, even when it is difficult or commercially challenging. He also encouraged young people to stay in school and pursue the best possible education, emphasising that knowledge and discipline remain key foundations for long-term success.
Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing golf and reading, often using these moments to unwind from his demanding schedule. His journey from Mdantsane to leading a major immigration firm reflects a story of purpose, discipline and long-term vision rooted in service and impact.
